1999 Super Stock Nationals --The Last One

Though the original Super Stock Magazine Nationals lasted but a day in 1965, promoter Frank Spittle, together with help from sponsors like Flowmaster, have spent one weekend a year honoring the legends of 60s Super Stock.

Unfortunately, that annual tradition, too, has come to an end.

The accomplishments of all these guys, whether they were fortunate enough to be part of the Hall or Fame or not, made a big difference in how drag racing became a major factor in sports, remarked Spittle after the event held at Virginia Motorsport Park Independence Day weekend 1999. To have been able to be part of preserving that fact made the effort I put into this worth it.

It was not effort alone, either, as Spittle fought an uphill battle to try to bring back the drag strip of yesterday out of his own wallet. With the 100-member Hall of Fame started in 1994 coming to a conclusion in 1999, it was decided during the planning stages of this years program that this would be the final such event.

So, over a brutally hot July 4th weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, Virginia, they did indeed do it one more time. Inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, among others, was our own Dick Landy, as well as factory pilot Bobby Harrop of Flying Carpet fame, and Mopar funny car runners Danny Ongais and Paul Candies (who was an SS owner, not a driver).

Meanwhile, out at the drag strip, the big-blocks roared to life. In on-track action, it was Kenny Montgomery taking a handicap victory in the Legends Showdown over Don Garlits, with many other Mopars also taking part in the action. Exhibition runs by Ronnie Sox (in the 68 Cuda featured elsewhere in this issue), Brian Kohlman (nitro-burning 65 Dodge), and Ralph Hope (Rat Trap Fuel Altered) were also part of the excitement.

And so the curtain closes on this historic event. Although the action does leave the drag strip, Spittle is already laying the groundwork for a major York US 30 Dragway Reunion and Swap Meet in July of next year at the York, Pennsylvania, County Fairgrounds. Thanks again for the passion, Frank!